How does life in the army prepare you for ultra running and mds in particular. He was watching a tv documentary on rowing legend james cracknell s epic run in what is generally regarded as the worlds toughest race the marathon des sables, a 156mile weeklong slog through the moroccan sahara in temperatures of over 50c. Realistically i know im never going to win a marathon. James cracknell is running the marathon des sables, dubbed the toughest footrace on earth. James cracknell was running in the marathon des sables to show his support for the royal british legion. James cracknell runs for the wire in the marathon des sables. James cracknells running life james has a sub3hr marathon pb.
Marathon des sables ouarzazate, morocco 9282020 my. Two years later in 1986 the first marathon des sables was run. Marathon des sables, or mds, french for marathon of the sands, also known as sahara marathon is a sixday, 251 km 156 mi ultramarathon, which is approximately the distance of six regular marathons. James tells crash about how he plans to take on this epic challenge. James edward cracknell, obe born 5 may 1972 is a british athlete, rowing champion and double olympic gold medalist. James cracknell runs for the wire in the marathon des sables sport. The marathon des sables translates into english as marathon of the sands it was started in 1986 by patrick bauer a french concert promoter the course is about 156 miles, the equivalent of six. Mark kleanthous, a good friend of bradleys will be competing in the marathon des sables, a 155 mile self sufficient 6 day running event in april. Im alan thornburrow, i have been running ultra marathons for the last 5 years or so. The marathon des sables, which translates into english as marathon of the sands, was started in 1986 by patrick bauer. He hopes to cover approximately 150 miles of the sahara desert in morocco over six days to raise money. One of my commissions was to supply images for discovery tv as they were filming james during this years race for a scientific programme analysing how the body reacts under such pressure in the desert heat.
Jesse dufton is one of the most incredible climbers in the world ranked 4th. But first the marathon des sables or the mds for short. The rules require you to be selfsufficient, to carry with you on your back everything except water that you need. It was first run in 1986, with 186 competitors, and 32 years later that number is close to 1200. Zoe salt may not be a name that you know however, a little look back to 20 and you will see that zoe placed 3rd behind meghan hicks and jo meek at the marathon des sables. I remember seeing it then thinking wow, ive never heard of this.
Olympic rower james cracknell is well known for his epic challenges. Known simply as the mds, the race is a gruelling multistage adventure through a formidable landscape in one of the worlds most inhospitable climates the sahara desert. Cambridge beat oxford in boat race as james cracknell is. James cracknell s first success came as a member of the british coxless fours that won the world junior championships in 1990. Cracknell crossed the line 12th in 2010 after numerous health scares throughout the event. Hes rowed the atlantic with pal ben fogle, run the london marathon in three hours and became the highestplaced briton to complete the gruelling marathon des sables across the moroccan desert. When you were training for the marathon des sables mds, what was the longest run you did. The marathon des sables has been something ive long wanted to do having met running friends early in my running career who had, and were about to run it.
Did james cracknell run the perfect marathon analysis. Marathon des sables, or mds is a sixday, 251 km 156 mi ultramarathon, which is approximately the distance of six regular marathons. James white, right, and his brother marcus will compete in the marathon des sables race, a sixday, 156mile footrace across the sahara desert. In april 2010 cracknell became the highest placed briton ever in the 25year history of the marathon des sables, finishing 12th. Bbc newsreader sophie raworth has run all six world marathon majors, completed 15 marathons and three ultra marathons, including the marathon des sables. A year later, james cracknell achieved a staggering 12th place finish over a. In april of 2019 i will be running with maybe a bit of walking the marathon des sables. He placed 15th and was part of the secondplaced team at the 2017 marathon des sables, after only five weeks training and is grateful to contours trail running holidays for the place. Mds is a truly gruelling multistage adventure through a mythical landscape in one of the worlds most inhospitable environments the sahara desert. Double leg amputee completes 156mile marathon des sables. Hes trekked to the south pole, rowed across the atlantic and completed the marathon des sables. This is a race ive trained several people to successfully complete, including backofthepackers through to danny kendall who got the highest placing ever by a brit at the 20 race 10th while training in london. I was in richmond park, doing five 7 to 8mile laps of the park, with a weight vest. James cracknell is running the marathon des sables, dubbed the.
You led the big 4 elite moroccans for most of the first day. I had a nice barbecue that evening, went to bed, woke up in the morning and, i went on a run then came back in and everyone was watching the james cracknell marathon des sables documentary. Hes won two olympic gold medals, hes rowed the atlantic, he was the highest ever placed british man at the time at the marathon des sables, hes completed the yukon arctic ultra, hes walked to the south pole and hes a sub3 hour marathon runner. His exploits were filmed for a discovery channel documentary the toughest race on earth to be aired in october 2010. It has been regarded as the toughest foot race on earth. The marathon des sables is a 251km 156 mile ultramarathon which will take place in april 2019 in southern morocco. Yesterday the keen cyclist set out on another gruelling adventure. Sir ranulph fiennes in marathon des sables record bid. Fast forward to 2015 and zoe has now won the km iznik ultra and in the process placed 4th overall. Sometimes regarded as the toughest footrace on earth, this is a race held over six days covering a distance of 156 miles. Documentary following british adventurer and olympic gold medal rower james cracknell as he competes in the marathon des sables in morocco. You have to be selfsufficient and carry all your own food and equipment for the week. James cracknell is a man with many sporting achievements to his name. I first met james at the bivouac on the marathon des sables, also known as the mds.
His next stop is the inov8 sponsored innsbruck alpine trail running festival, which he hopes will have less sand and much more food. From racing a horse to saharan marathons fitness events. The marathon des sables was definitely a big moment. Alice dearing one of gbs and worlds best open water marathon swimmer. The 2000 and 2004 olympic coxless four gold medallist has also achieved one of the highest finishing positions by a british runner at the gruelling sixday, 156 mile marathon des sables ultra marathon desert race in south africa. James cracknell is running the marathon des sables, dubbed the toughest footrace on earth, covering approximately 150 miles of the sahara desert in morocco over six days to raise money for mencap.
Olympic gold medal rower james cracknell as he competes in the marathon des sables in morocco. Marathon des sables fast facts all you need to know ironmate. Hes won two olympic golds, run a subthreehour marathon and is now looking to become an mp. This multiday race is held every year in southern morocco, in the sahara desert. So what better challenge to take on than the 2012 marathon des sables, a 6 day 151 mile 243km endurance race across the sahara desert in morocco. Competitors carry their food and belongings and water is strictly rationed. Ultratrail runner tom evans talks about his life and some. Cambridge beat oxford in boat race as james cracknell becomes oldestever winner at the age of 46. Ever since watching james cracknells documentary on the mds i have been very. James marshall takes on the challenge of running the marathon des sables which is the toughest foot race on earth at 140 miles across the sahara desert.
How strictlys james cracknell overcame brain damage with. I was also really proud when i ran a marathon in 2. At one point was the highest british finisher ever in the marathon des sables and has a history of endurance challenges and achievements to rival almost anyone. James marshall takes on the challenge of running the marathon des sables, which is the toughest foot race on earth at 140 miles across the sahara desert.
Moroccan runner mohamed elmorabity wins first stage at. Marathon des sables mds is a truly unique, multiday ultra marathon through one of the worlds most inhospitable environments the sahara desert. The course is about 156 miles 250 km, the equivalent of six regular marathons. And the marathon des sables marathon of the sands was born. Over 6 life changing days youll run over 250km 156 miles through endless dunes, over rocky jebels, and across whitehot salt plains. Watch toughest race on earth with james cracknell season 1. Marathon des sables had really done a number on me, but i took a big scalp from it after completing the ultra.
It is the equivalent of 6 marathons in 6 days competing in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet, the sahara dessert in southern morocco. Fast facts about the marathon des sables mds 1 satellite image station 1 incinerator lorry for burning waste 1 cessna plane 2 helicopters 2 competitors have sadly lost their lives during previous marathon des sables events 3 kmph is the average minimum speed of the last person to officially finish. The sixstage, sevenday race, which takes place in southern morocco every year, might. Known for being the ultimate test of human endurance, the race which takes in a gruelling 250 km across the sahara desert in temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees celsius tests even the toughest athletes to their limit and beyond. Time to get fixed up by the amazing french volunteers who sorted us out in the medical tent, rehydrate, refuel and get ready for the final countdown the following, and final, day. I was a relative latecomer to running, starting in my mid thirties but was quickly drawn to the longer stuff. The marathon des sables is ranked by the discovery channel as the toughest footrace on earth. James cracknell at the great north run, newcastle photo. It is the toughest footrace on earth discovery channel. James cracknell got two olympic gold medals in rowing and has won the rowing world championships six times.
I found out that i had a place at the 26th marathon des sables just three. This highest ever placing was beaten in 20 by another briton, danny kendall who finished 10th. Runners endure 120f heat in marathon des sables daily. He was married to tv and radio presenter beverley turner, he and his wife have three children. James cracknell begins the marathon des sables telegraph. And the marathon des sables marathon of the sands was born, a multistage race of roughly 250k it varies each year through morocco s sahara desert.
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